Network for personalized content aggregation platform

ABSTRACT

One or more network devices provide, to a user device, a content list of content items available for presentation. The one or more network devices receive, from the user device, a personalized channel plan that includes a schedule of selected content items, from the content list, for presentation on a viewing device that is different than the user device. The one or more network devices select, based on the selected content items, advertising for inclusion with the selected content items and assign links for the viewing device to obtain the selected content items. The one or more network devices send the links to the user device, which may in turn be provided to the viewing device.

BACKGROUND

Along with live linear television content, service providers also offerproducts that allow customers to download video content (e.g., streamingvideo, video files, etc.) on demand over a distribution network.Broadcast content options may be presented to the customer via anelectronic program guide. Access to on-demand video content is typicallypresented to the customer via a catalog of available items. Somecustomers may supplement consumption of live linear television and/oron-demand content with content available through various Internet websites.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating concepts described herein;

FIG. 2 is an exemplary network in which systems and/or methods describedherein may be implemented;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of exemplary components of a device that maycorrespond to one of the devices of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of exemplary functional components of thenavigation device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of exemplary functional components of theviewing device of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of exemplary functional components of thecontent delivery server of FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of exemplary functional components of theapplication server of FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of exemplary communications among devices in aportion of the network of FIG. 2; and

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of an exemplary process for configuring andproviding content for a personalized channel according to animplementation described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings.The same reference numbers in different drawings may identify the sameor similar elements.

Systems and methods described herein may provide a personalized contentaggregation platform. The personalized content aggregation platformenables users to configure personalized content schedules (also referredto herein as “personalized channel plans”) from multiple content sourcesand/or for multiple types of content. In one implementation, thepersonalized channel plan may be configured using a navigation device(e.g., a user device, such as a tablet computer or smart phone), whichmay instruct a viewing device (e.g., a set-top box or smart television)to present the content for the personalized channel plan according tothe configured time and sequence. In another implementation, thepersonalized channel plan may be shared with other users (e.g., viasocial media, etc.).

Among other capabilities, a network to support the personalized contentaggregation platform may make available application programminginterfaces to enable communications between navigation and viewingdevices, provide unicast/multicast hybrid content delivery, applyregional broadcast variants (e.g., regional schedules, blackouts, etc.),enforce digital rights management (DRM), and direct/track targetedadvertising. In one implementation, the network may include a closedaccess network to provide content for personalized channels withguaranteed quality of service (QoS).

According to one implementation, one or more network devices mayprovide, to a user device, a content list of content items available forpresentation. The one or more network devices may receive, from the userdevice, a personalized channel plan that includes a schedule of selectedcontent items, from the content list, for presentation on a viewingdevice that is different than the user device. The one or more networkdevices may select, based on the selected content items, advertising forinclusion with selected content items and assign links for the viewingdevice to obtain the selected content items. The one or more networkdevices may send the links to the user device, which may in turn beprovided to the viewing device.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating concepts described herein. A navigationdevice 110-1 (e.g., a tablet computer, smart phone, etc.) may beequipped with a personal channel manager application that enables a userto select a personalized channel plan 112 of linear and/or non-linearcontent that can be presented on a viewing device 120-1 (such as aset-top box (STB) and/or television). Personalized channel plan 112 mayinclude content from, for example, multiple linear television channels(e.g., different physical or virtual television channels), video ondemand (VOD) content, games, social media sites, video-sharing websites,etc. For example, navigation device 110-1 may obtain a catalog ofavailable content from a content distribution network 130, which may beoperated by a service provider that provides subscription-based services(e.g., television services, Internet access services, and/or othertelecommunications services).

Navigation device 110-1 may identify (or discover) available viewingdevice 120-1 on which content from personalized channel plan 112 can bepresented. Based on personalized channel plan 112, navigation device110-1 may send channel instructions 114 to viewing device 120-1. Channelinstructions 114 may include, for example, links and timing informationfor particular content. As used herein, a “link” may generally refer toany pointer or instruction to identify a location, such as a uniformresource locator (URL), an Internet Protocol (IP) address, or channelindicator. Based on channel instructions 114, viewing device 120-1 mayretrieve a personalized schedule of content 116 from contentdistribution network 130. As described further herein, personalizedschedule of content 116 may include scheduled content along withtargeted advertising and/or appropriate regional broadcast variationsfor viewing device 120-1.

A user of navigation device 110-1 may share personalized channel plan112 with another user of a user device 110-2. Channel plan 112 may beshared, for example, using a social media account or communications viacontent distribution network 130. Based on personalized channel plan112, navigation device 110-2 may send channel instructions 144 toviewing device 120-2. Channel instructions 144 may be the same aschannel instructions 114, or channel instructions 144 may havevariations to reflect regional differences, subscription differences,user profile difference, etc., between navigation device 110-1 andnavigation device 110-2. Based on channel instructions 144, viewingdevice 120-2 may retrieve a personalized schedule of content 146 fromcontent distribution network 130. As described further herein,personalized schedule of content 146 may include scheduled content alongwith targeted advertising and/or appropriate regional broadcastvariations for viewing device 120-2.

In one implementation, viewing devices 120-1/120-2 may use linksreceived from respective navigation devices 110-1/110-2 to obtaincontent directly from content distribution network 130. For example,viewing devices 120-1/120-2 may retrieve content via a dedicated accessnetwork, such as a closed cable and/or fiber optic distribution network,that can provide guaranteed quality of service (QoS) levels. In otherimplementations, viewing devices 120-1/120-2 may use links received fromnavigation devices 110-1/110-2 to obtain content via a public IP networkor receive content directly from navigation devices 110-1/110-2.

FIG. 2 is an exemplary network 200 in which systems and/or methodsdescribed herein may be implemented. As illustrated, network 200 mayinclude a video content management system (VCMS) 210, a data center 220,a profile server 230, an advertising server 240, a suggestion engine250, a customer support system 260, user devices 270, a private network280, an access network 290, content sources 292, and a web server 294.VCMS 210, data center 220, profile server 230, advertising server 240,suggestion engine 250, customer support system 260, and private network280 may be part of content distribution network 130. The particulararrangement and number of components of network 200 shown in FIG. 2 areillustrated for simplicity. In practice there may be more VCMSs 210,data centers 220, profile servers 230, advertising servers 240,suggestion engines 250, customer support systems 260, user devices 270,networks 280/290, content sources 292, and/or web servers 294.Components of network 200 may be connected via wired and/or wirelessconnections.

VCMS 210 may include one or more network devices, or other types ofcomputation or communication devices, to aggregate content and contentmetadata, process content, and distribute content. In oneimplementation, VCMS 210 may include a content delivery system 212, adigital rights management (DRM) server 214, an index file server 216,and business rules 218. VCMS 210 may aggregate content and transcodecontent into a digital format suitable for consumption on particularuser devices 270. For example, VCMS 210 may include a transcoding deviceto convert a video file from one format to another (e.g., from one bitrate to another bit rate, from one resolution to another, from onestandard to another, from one file size to another, etc.). VCMS 210 mayalso encrypt data and communicate with DRM server 214 to enforce digitalrights. In some cases, VCMS 210 may also supply content with particularregional (e.g., location-based) variations.

Content delivery system 212 may include one or more network devices, orother types of computation or communication devices, to delivermultimedia content from a backend server to user devices 270. In oneimplementation, content delivery system 212 may include a streamingserver that provides streaming data packets (e.g., via a streaming URL)to user devices 270 (e.g., via network 280). According to oneimplementation, a streaming URL may be session-based, such that each URLcan be used only once for one user device 270 for security purposes. Inanother implementation, content delivery system 212 may provideinteractive content, such as games, etc.

DRM server 214 may include one or more network devices, or other typesof computation or communication devices, to issue, validate, and/orenforce DRM licenses to a client, such as an application running on oneof user devices 270. In implementations described herein, DRM server 214may communicate with user device 270 to authenticate a user of userdevice 270, the particular user device 270, and/or an applicationresiding on user device 270. For example, DRM server 214 mayrequest/receive login information associated with the user, and comparethe login information with stored information to authenticate the user.Additionally, or alternatively, DRM server 214 may request/receivedevice information (e.g., a unique device identifier) associated withuser device 270 and may compare the device information with storedinformation to authenticate user device 270.

Index file server 216 may include one or more network devices, or othertypes of computation or communication devices, to store index files ofcontent from content sources 292. Each entry in the index file may allowviewing device 120 to be directed to a particular piece of mediacorresponding to content (e.g., streamed content) being delivered toviewing device 120. According to one implementation, the index file mayalso contain formatted advertising URLs (referred to herein as“ad-URLs”) that direct viewing device 120 to retrieve separateadvertising content that corresponds in time to advertising breaks in aliner content stream. In another implementation, the ad-URLs may includeparameters that inform viewing device 120 that it needs to switch to amode where it displays advertising. The parameters in the ad-URL mayalso inform viewing device 120 which ads need to be displayed along withinformation such as duration of an advertisement.

Business rules 218 may include one or more network devices, or othertypes of computation or communication devices, to associate advertisingwith a particular type of content based on the projected audience. Forexample, business rules 218 may identify particular advertisingavailable and/or suitable for viewers of a particular program stream.Index file server 216 may apply business rules 218 to generateadvertising information (e.g., links to particular advertising content)that may be associated with advertising breaks of an index file.

Data center 220 may include one or more network devices, or other typesof computation or communication devices, to manage the authorization,selection, scheduling, and/or purchase of multimedia content by a userof user devices 270. As shown in FIG. 2, data center 220 may include acatalog server 222, an application server 224, and channel plans 226. Inone implementation, data center 220 may be accessed by user devices 270via access network 290.

Catalog server 222 may include one or more network devices, or othertypes of computation or communication devices, to provide a unifiedcatalog of multimedia content for users (e.g., of user devices 270) toconsume (e.g., view, buy, or rent). Catalog server 222 may include, forexample, program guide data for television content, on-demand contentdata, games, etc. In one implementation, catalog server 222 may collectand/or present listings of content available to user devices 270. Forexample, catalog server 222 may receive content metadata, such as listsor categories of content, from VCMS 210. Catalog server 222 may use thecontent metadata to provide currently-available content options to userdevices 270. Catalog server 222 may provide the content metadata to userdevices 270 directly or may communicate with user devices 270 viaapplication server 224.

Application server 224 may include one or more network devices, or othertypes of computation or communication devices (e.g., a server device, anapplication server device, a Web server device, a database serverdevice, a computer, etc.), to provide a backend support system formobile applications residing on user devices 270. For example,application server 224 may permit user devices 270 to download apersonal channel manager application that may permit a user to findcontent of interest, schedule content presentation, and/or playdownloaded or streaming content. The personal channel managerapplication may enable user devices 270 to present to a user of userdevice 270 information received from data center 220 in an interactiveformat to allow selection of particular multimedia content.Additionally, or alternatively, application server 224 may providecontent metadata, such as lists or categories of content. Also,application server 224 may authenticate a user who desires to view,purchase, or rent multimedia content. In one implementation, theinteractions between application server 224 and user device 270 may beperformed using hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) or secure HTTP(HTTPS) via access network 290.

Channel plans 226 may include a stored schedule of selected contentitems (e.g., selected by a user from catalog server 222) forpresentation. In one implementation, channel plans 226 may be associatedwith a single user (e.g., a personalized channel owner) on a particularviewing device 120. In another implementation, channel plans 226 may beassociated with multiple users (e.g., a personalized channel owner andone or more followers) and viewing devices. In one aspect, data center220 may monitor the number of followers associated with a particularchannel plan to identify if multicast delivery methods (e.g., usingmobile broadcasting multimedia service (MBMS)) may be useful for contentdelivery of non-broadcast content. In another aspect, data center 220may compare multiple channel plans to identify instances where the sameunicast content is scheduled for simultaneous distribution on differentpersonalized channels. If instances of simultaneous unicast distributionare identified, data center 220 may elect to apply multicast contentdelivery methods.

Profile server 230 may include one or more network devices, or othertypes of computation or communication devices, to store user profileinformation for users (e.g., users of user devices 270). Profile server230 may store per-user and/or per-device preferences. The user profileinformation may include various information regarding a user, such aslogin information (e.g., a user identifier and a password), billinginformation, address information, types of services to which the userhas subscribed, parental control settings, preferred display format,subtitle defaults, relevant advertising settings, most-watched media, alist of multimedia content purchased by the user, user deviceidentifiers (e.g., a media player identifier, a mobile deviceidentifier, a set top box identifier, a personal computer identifier,etc.) for user devices 270 associated with a user, user contentpreferences, user tendencies, or the like. In one implementation,profile server 230 may include and/or access a database that includesuser/device information from other systems, such as a wireless dataservice plan, a television subscription plan, or an Internet serviceplan. Thus, metadata from a single user on multiple devices (e.g.,mobile devices, television-based devices, computing devices, etc.) maycontribute to user profiles maintained by profile server 230.Application server 224 may use the user profile information from profileserver 230 to authenticate a user and may update the user profileinformation based on the user's activity (e.g., with a user's expresspermission).

Advertising server 240 may include one or more network devices, or othertypes of computation or communication devices, that store advertisingcontent that may be delivered to user devices 270. The advertisingcontent may include, for example, metadata that allows the advertisingcontent to be associated with particular groups, categories, and/orprofiles. The advertising content may include, for example, a uniqueidentifier for each particular advertisement. In one implementation,advertising server 240 may provide advertising content for insertioninto a content stream from VCMS 210.

Suggestion engine 250 may include one or more network devices, or othertypes of computation or communication devices, that provide suggestionsand/or recommendations of specific content (e.g., TV programming, VODtitles, video games, etc.) based on user profiles (from profile server230), user preferences (e.g., as indicated in a personal channel managerapplication), or other factors, such as popularity ratings for a show.In one implementation, suggestion engine 250 may provide a suggestionfor a scheduled time slot in a personal channel. Suggestion engine 250may also take into account subscription restrictions, pre-definedparameters set by parents, time-slot length, etc. In someimplementations, suggestion engine 250 may track user activity from atelevision subscription plan, a wireless data plan, and/or an Internetservice plan to learn user viewing habits and provide contentrecommendations.

Customer support system 260 may include one or more network devices, orother types of computation or communication devices, to solicit and/orreceive user feedback, questions, or credit-related requests. In oneimplementation, customer support system 260 may include interfaces withdata center 220 and/or a billing system, for example, to receive problemreports and to resolve customer billing disputes.

User devices 270 may generally include navigation devices 110, viewingdevices 120, and other computing devices. Navigation device 110 mayinclude a computation or communication device to enable a user toschedule presentation of content and/or interact with viewing device 120to cause presentation of content. Navigation device 110 may include, forexample, a personal communications system (PCS) terminal, a tabletcomputer, a smartphone, a personal computer, a laptop computer, awearable computer, or other types of computation or communicationdevices. In one implementation, navigation device 110 may include apersonal channel manager application that enables navigation device 110to communicate with, for example, data center 220 and/or presentinformation received from data center 220 to a user. The personalchannel manager application may permit a user of navigation device 110to log into an account (e.g., via application server 224), accesscatalog information (e.g., from catalog server 222), obtain contentlinks to scheduled content, and/or provide presentation instructions toviewing device 120.

Viewing device 120 may include a device that can present contentidentified by navigation device 110. Viewing device 120 may include, forexample, an STB (e.g., connected to a television), a gaming console, anInternet television, a smart television (e.g., a network-connectedtelevision), a computing device with a cable card, etc. Viewing device120 may execute a host application to communicate, via a local wired orwireless connection, with navigation device 110. In one implementation,viewing device 120 may execute an application to communicate via accessnetwork 290 with, for example, VCMS 210 or web server 294 to presentcontent based on instructions from navigation device 110. In anotherimplementation, viewing device 120 may be equipped with a dongle topermit secure communications with a personal channel manager applicationon navigation device 110. In some instances, navigation device 110 andviewing device 120 may be combined in a single device. In oneimplementation, viewing device 120 may be a closed device (e.g.,including a hardware/software configuration that is not accessible tothe general public), such as an STB with a unique identifier (e.g., aserial number) that can be used to associate a particular STB with aparticular customer/location.

Private network 280 may include, for example, one or more private IPnetworks that use a private IP address space. Private network 280 mayinclude a local area network (LAN), an intranet, a private wide areanetwork (WAN), etc. In one implementation, private network 280 mayimplement one or more Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) for providingcommunication between, for example, any of VCMS 210, data center 220,profile server 230, advertising server 240, suggestion engine 250,and/or customer support system 260. In one implementation, privatenetwork 280 may be protected/separated from other networks, such asaccess network 290, by a firewall. Although shown as a single element inFIG. 2, private network 280 may include a number of separate networks.

Access network 290 may include a local area network (LAN), a wide areanetwork (WAN), such as a cellular network, a satellite network, a fiberoptic network, a private WAN, or a combination of the Internet and aprivate WAN, etc., that is used to transport data. In oneimplementation, access network 290 may include a managed network thatcan be used to provide guaranteed service rates and QoS to user devices270. Although shown as a single element in FIG. 2, access network 290may include a number of separate networks that provide services to userdevices 270.

Content sources 292 may include any type or form of content provider toprovide content to VCMS 210 for distribution. For example, contentsources 292 may include free television broadcast providers (e.g.,broadcast providers, such as NBC, CBS, ABC, and/or FOX) and for-paytelevision broadcast providers (e.g., TNT, ESPN, HBO, Cinemax, CNN,etc.) that permit content to be streamed and/or downloaded. Contentsources 292 may also include on-demand content providers (e.g., video ondemand (VOD) providers, pay per view (PPV) providers, etc.), onlinecontent providers (e.g., webcasts, podcasts, etc.), etc. In oneimplementation, content sources 292 may include on-line recordingservices, such as cloud-based DVR-type services or PVR-type services.

Web server 294 may include one or more network devices, or other typesof computation or communication devices, to provide information to userdevices 270 and/or to receive information from user devices 270. In oneimplementation, web server 294 may be part of a social media platform toreceived and distribute files, such as a personalized channel plan 112,uploaded by a user of user device 270. In another implementation, webserver 294 may include an Internet content source, search engine, etc.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of exemplary components of a device 300. Each ofVCMS 210, content delivery system 212, DRM server 214, index file server216, data center 220, catalog server 222, application server 224,profile server 230, advertising server 240, suggestion engine 250,customer support system 260, user device 270, and web server 294 may beimplemented/installed as software, hardware, or a combination ofhardware and software, on one or more of device 300. In oneimplementation, device 300 may be configured as a network device. Inanother implementation, device 300 may be configured as a computingdevice. As shown in FIG. 3, device 300 may include a bus 310, aprocessing unit 320, a memory 330, an input device 340, an output device350, and a communication interface 360.

Bus 310 may permit communication among the components of device 300.Processing unit 320 may include one or more processors ormicroprocessors that interpret and execute instructions. In otherimplementations, processing unit 320 may be implemented as or includeone or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), fieldprogrammable gate arrays (FPGAs), or the like.

Memory 330 may include a random access memory (RAM) or another type ofdynamic storage device that stores information and instructions forexecution by processing unit 320, a read only memory (ROM) or anothertype of static storage device that stores static information andinstructions for the processing unit 320, and/or some other type ofmagnetic or optical recording medium and its corresponding drive forstoring information and/or instructions.

Input device 340 may include a device that permits an operator to inputinformation to device 300, such as a keyboard, a keypad, a mouse, a pen,a microphone, one or more biometric mechanisms, and the like. Outputdevice 350 may include a device that outputs information to theoperator, such as a display, a speaker, etc.

Communication interface 360 may include a transceiver that enablesdevice 300 to communicate with other devices and/or systems. Forexample, communication interface 360 may include wired or wireless(e.g., radio frequency) mechanisms for communicating with other devices,such as other devices of network 200.

As described herein, device 300 may perform certain operations inresponse to processing unit 320 executing software instructionscontained in a computer-readable medium, such as memory 330. Acomputer-readable medium may include a tangible, non-transitory memorydevice. A memory device may include space within a single physicalmemory device or spread across multiple physical memory devices. Thesoftware instructions may be read into memory 330 from anothercomputer-readable medium or from another device via communicationinterface 360. The software instructions contained in memory 330 maycause processing unit 320 to perform processes described herein.Alternatively, hardwired circuitry may be used in place of or incombination with software instructions to implement processes describedherein. Thus, implementations described herein are not limited to anyspecific combination of hardware circuitry and software.

Although FIG. 3 shows exemplary components of device 300, in otherimplementations, device 300 may include fewer components, differentcomponents, differently arranged components, or additional componentsthan depicted in FIG. 3. As an example, in some implementations, adisplay may not be included in device 300. In these situations, device300 may be a “headless” device that does not include an input device.Alternatively, or additionally, one or more components of device 300 mayperform one or more other tasks described as being performed by one ormore other components of device 300.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of exemplary functional components ofnavigation device 110. The functions described in connections with FIG.4 may be performed by one or more components of device 300 (FIG. 3),such as processing unit 320 executing instructions stored in memory 330.As shown in FIG. 4, navigation device 110 may include a personal channelmanager application 400 that includes a channel setup module 410, aprofile configuration module 420, a viewing device interface 430, and achannel plan storage module 440. Generally, personal channel managerapplication 400 may allow a navigation device 110 solicit a personalizedcontent schedule from a user and to direct presentation of thepersonalized content schedule on viewing device 120.

Channel setup module 410 may provide a user interface to present contentoptions and configure a personalized content schedule (or channel plan).Content options may include, for example, items from catalog server 222,items from web server 294, and/or other multimedia content accessiblevia access network 290. In one implementation, channel setup module 410may provide a grid of time slots that can be selectively filled in withcontent items from a catalog listing. For example, channel setup module410 may include a drag-and-drop interface to insert content selectionsinto a particular time slot in the grid. In one implementation, selectedlinear content (e.g., television content, VOD content, downloads,streaming media, etc.) may automatically fill an amount of time in thegrid that corresponds to a selected program. In another implementation,selected non-linear content (e.g., games, music, social media, etc.) maybe assigned a duration by the user. In still another implementation, auser may assign a default channel or content source for any time periodnot otherwise scheduled in the personalized content schedule. Channelsetup module 410 may also be used to modify existing channel plans.Channel setup module 410 may communicate with content distributionnetwork 130 to obtain particular links (e.g., URLs) for content items inthe personalized content schedule. In some implementations, channelsetup module 410 may also provide new/updated channel plans to contentdistribution network.

Profile configuration module 420 may provide a user interface to solicituser preferences. For example, profile configuration module 420 mayallow a user to provide definitive settings to guide/limit suggestedcontent. Settings provided by a user may include, for example, user data(e.g., age, gender, etc.) and/or content preferences, such as contentratings (Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) ratings, etc.),content age, favorite actors, preferred genres, minimum critic/viewerratings, etc. In one implementation, profile configuration module 420may communicate with profile server 230, advertising server 240, and/orsuggestion engine 250 to allow content distribution network 130 toidentify suggested content and/or advertising for a user's personalizedchannel.

Viewing device interface 430 may communicate with viewing device 120 topresent a personalized content schedule from channel setup module 410.In one implementation, viewing device interface 430 may communicate witha host application executed on viewing device 120 to instruct viewingdevice 120 when and what channel/content to display. For example,viewing device interface 430 may monitor the personalized contentschedule and, depending on the type of content included in the currenttime slot of personalized channel plan 112, viewing device interface 430may instruct viewing device 120 to tune to a particular broadcastchannel, load VOD content, or access a URL for web-based content.

Viewing device interface 430 may monitor a personalized contentschedule, retrieve one or more links to upcoming content, and providethe links to viewing device 120 for presentation according to thepersonalized content schedule. Viewing device interface 430 may identifyviewing devices 120 that are available to present a personalized contentschedule based on instructions from navigation device 110. In oneimplementation, viewing device interface 430 may identify viewing device120 via wireless network discovery protocols, such as WiFi protocols,Bluetooth protocols, or other wireless protocols. In anotherimplementation, viewing device interface 430 may apply additionalapplication programming interfaces (APIs), protocols, and/or proceduresto identify a type of viewing device 120.

Channel plan storage module 440 may retrieve and/or store personalizedchannel plans. For example, channel plan storage 440 may store multiplepersonalized channel plans for a single user or for different users ofnavigation device 110. In one implementation, channel plan storagemodule 440 may also upload a personalized channel plan to contentdistribution network 130.

Although FIG. 4 shows exemplary functional components of navigationdevice 110, in other implementations, navigation device 110 may includefewer components, different components, or additional components thandepicted in FIG. 4. Alternatively, or additionally, one or morefunctional components of navigation device 110 may perform one or moreother tasks described as being performed by one or more other functionalcomponents of navigation device 110. Furthermore, one or more functionalcomponents of FIG. 4 may be performed on a different user device 270.For example, in some implementations, channel setup module 410 may beaccessed with user device 270 via a website account and the resultingpersonalized channel plan later retrieved/stored on navigation device110.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of exemplary functional components of viewing device120. In one implementation, the functions described in connection withFIG. 5 may be performed by one or more components of device 300 (FIG.3), such as processing unit 320 executing instructions stored in memory330. As shown in FIG. 5, viewing device 120 may include a hostapplication 510, a network tuner 520, and a media player 530.

Generally, viewing device 120 may receive a television signal fromcontent distribution network 130, may convert the signal to a formusable for a television display, and may transmit the signal to thetelevision display for presentation to a user. Viewing device 120 mayfurther allow a user to provide user input for interactive televisionapplications (e.g., to navigate menu displays and/or select menu items)and to alter the programming provided to viewing device 120 based on asignal received from, for example, a navigation device 110.

Host application 510 may interface with navigation device 110 (e.g., viaone or more APIs) to receive instructions for presenting a personalizedchannel plan on viewing device 120. Host application 510 may alsoretrieve information/content from devices in content distributionnetwork 130 to present to a user. In another implementation, hostapplication 510 may receive content (e.g., streaming media, non-linearcontent, etc.) from navigation device 110 for presentation.Additionally, or alternatively, host application 510 may obtain a linkto redirect viewing device 120 to a particular index file (e.g.,associated with content for channel plan 112) based on a devicelocation.

Network tuner 520 may select and tune to specific broadcast televisioninformation by tuning to one of various different input channels fromVCMS 210. Each channel may be digitally modulated using, for example,Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM), though other types of modulationmay be used. A demodulator may demodulate the information in the channelselected by tuner 400 to produce a transport stream (e.g., MPEG-2 orMPEG-4 transport stream) containing the audio, video and/or otherinformation related to a selected program for presentation on outputcomponents (e.g., a television display, speakers, etc.) of viewingdevice 120.

Media player 530 may receive content segments from a network streamand/or local buffer and may present the content segments as a unifiedpresentation. In one implementation, media player 530 may decode andplay content that is streamed and/or buffered from VCMS 210. In anotherimplementation, media player 530 may decode and play content from othersources, such as a web site. Media player 530 may output the decodedvideo to output components of viewing device 120.

Although FIG. 5 shows exemplary functional components of viewing device120, in other implementations, viewing device 120 may include fewercomponents, different components, or additional components than depictedin FIG. 5. Alternatively, or additionally, one or more functionalcomponents of viewing device 120 may perform be performed by one or moreother devices of network 200.

FIG. 6 is a diagram of exemplary functional components of contentdelivery system 212. In one implementation, the functions described inconnection with FIG. 6 may be performed by one or more components ofdevice 300 (FIG. 3), such as processing unit 320 executing instructionsstore in memory 330. As shown in FIG. 6, content delivery system 212 mayinclude a content server 610 and a multicast module 620.

Content server 610 may temporarily store and provide content requestedby navigation device 110 and/or viewing device 120. In oneimplementation, access to content server 610 (e.g., by navigation device110 and/or viewing device 120) may be restricted by a service providerthat operates VCMS 210. For example, access to content server 610 may berestricted to users with particular subscription packages and enforcedby, for example, password protection, device identifiers (for userdevices 270), and/or application identifiers (e.g., personal channelmanager application 400, host application 510, etc.). Content server 610may include other devices (not shown), such as a policy managementserver, a streaming device, a router, a content cache, etc. Contentserver 610 may provide a separate channel/link of the same content fordifferent content formats. For example, content server 610 may generatea content stream that is compatible with a platform (e.g., a particularcombination of hardware software) of some user devices 270, whileanother content stream may be used for other types of user devices 270.

Multicast module 620 may identify if demand for content from a sharedpersonal channel should be included in a multicast stream. For example,when a large number of user devices 270 are following a particularpersonalized channel plan 112 (such as a celebrity's personalizedchannel with a large number of social media followers) contentdistribution network 130 may benefit from multicast delivery forparticular on-demand content scheduled in the personalized channel plan112. Multicast module 620 may configure multicast sessions fordistribution of the digital content. For example, multicast module 620may communicate with a multicast streaming device to stream requestedvideo content associated with a personal channel. Multicast module 620may use internet protocol (IP) multicast addresses for IP flows that canbe received simultaneously by viewing devices 120 (e.g., viewing devicesthat are subscribed to and have joined a particular multicast groupassociated with a content selection for the personalized channel).

In another implementation, multicast module 620 may utilize multicaststreaming in a manner that optimizes use of network and/or mediastreaming resources for delivery of on-demand content. For example,multicast module 620 may provide different unicast segments (e.g., tostart an on-demand program) and multicast segments (e.g., of anin-progress multicast delivery) to a viewing device 120. Multicastmodule 620 may work with viewing devices 120 to provide this hybrid ofunicast and multicast content simultaneously so that viewing devices 120may buffer multicast portions as needed to assemble and provide a linearpresentation.

Although FIG. 6 shows exemplary functional components of viewing device120, in other implementations, viewing device 120 may include fewercomponents, different components, or additional components than depictedin FIG. 6. Alternatively, or additionally, one or more functionalcomponents of viewing device 120 may perform be performed by one or moreother devices of network 200.

FIG. 7 is a diagram of exemplary functional components of applicationserver 224. In one implementation, the functions described in connectionwith FIG. 7 may be performed by one or more components of device 300(FIG. 3), such as processing unit 320 executing instructions store inmemory 330. As shown in FIG. 7, application server 224 may include adevice server module 710, a content aggregator module 720, asearch/suggestion module 730, and a selection module 740.

Device server module 710 supports interactions between user devices 270(e.g., navigation device 110 and/or viewing device 120) and backendservers, including (but not limited to) content delivery system 212, DRMserver 214, index file server 216, and catalog server 222. Device servermodule 710 may determine which content format to use according a devicetype or platform of viewing device 120. For example, in oneimplementation, navigation device 110 may request, from applicationserver 224, a streaming link or channel identifier for an item in apersonalized content schedule just prior to a scheduled time slot. Therequest may include a content identifier and an identifier for viewingdevice 120. Device server module 710 may identify an appropriate format(e.g., bit rate, resolution, standard, file size, etc.) for therequested content on viewing device 120.

Based on the selected content and format, device server module 710 mayprovide/generate a streaming link. Navigation device 110 may receive thestreaming link and provide the streaming link to viewing device 120 topresent the scheduled content. In another implementation, viewing device120 may request the streaming link for the item in the personalizedcontent schedule based on instructions from navigation device 110, anddevice server module 710 may provide the content link directly toviewing device 120. In one implementation, device server module 710 mayidentify a location of viewing device 120 (e.g., based on accountinformation and a device identifier) and provide/generate a streaminglink based on the location (along with the content selection and devicetype). For example, a location may be used to select a link withparticular advertising, regional content, and/or blackouts.

Content aggregator module 720 aggregates information from Internetsearching and social networks related to particular content (e.g., aprogram or video) for a user to include in a personalized channel. Inone implementation, content aggregator module 720 may provide links orother menu options to enable a user to schedule content provided bycontent aggregator module 720.

Search/suggestion module 730 enables users to search catalog server 222and other devices/systems by keywords. Search/suggestion module 730 mayalso provide ranked search results based on the user's search terms,profile, viewing history, or previously-purchased content. In oneimplementation, search/suggestion module 730 can also automaticallyrecommend particular content to the user based on input from suggestionengine 250.

Selection module 740 enables users to review and select content from avariety of sources, including items from catalog server 222 and contentaggregator module 720. Selection module 740 may support browsing andsearching of a customized content list (e.g., a unified catalog fromcatalog server 222 and content aggregator module 720) from navigationdevice 110/personal channel manager application 400. In oneimplementation, selection module 740 may include a customized contentlisting based on a user's subscription package with a service provider(e.g., a basic, extended, or premium service option). In anotherimplementation, selection module 740 may include, in a customizedcontent listing, other personalized channels from a user's social mediacontacts. In some implementations, selection module 740 may also providean electronic shopping cart, transaction management, and/or promotionsand advertisements.

Although FIG. 7 shows exemplary functional components of applicationserver 224, in other implementations, application server 224 may includefewer components, different components, or additional components thandepicted in FIG. 7. Alternatively, or additionally, one or morefunctional components of application server 224 may be performed by oneor more other devices of content distribution network 130.

FIG. 8 is a diagram of exemplary communications for a portion 800 ofnetwork 200. Communications in FIG. 8 may represent communications toconfigure and present content for a personalized channel according toimplementations described herein. As shown in FIG. 8, network portion800 may include navigation device 110, viewing device 120, VCMS 210,data center 220, and advertising server 240. Navigation device 110,viewing device 120, VCMS 210, data center 220, and advertising server240 may include features described above in connection with, forexample, FIGS. 1-7.

As shown in FIG. 8, data center 220 (e.g., application server 224) mayprovide a content list 810 to navigation device 110. Content list 810may include, for example, items from catalog server 222 and/or contentaggregator module 720. Navigation device 110 may receive content list810, and the user of navigation device 110 may use personal channelmanager application 400 (e.g., executing on navigation device 110) toconfigure a personalized channel using content items from content list810. Based on the configured personalized channel, navigation device 110may provide a channel plan 815 to data center 220. Channel plan 815 mayinclude all or a portion of items from the personalized channel, apresentation schedule, a selected viewing device (e.g., viewing device120), and/or a user identifier.

Data center 220 may receive channel plan 815 and may forward channelplan 815 to VCMS 210. VCMS 210 (e.g., index file server 216) may usechannel plan 815 and other data (e.g., from profile server 230,suggestion engine 250, etc.) to identify targeted advertising for thepersonalized channel. In one implementation, VCMS 210 may baseselections for targeted advertising, in part, on the overall contentschedule for the personalized channel (e.g., the type of contentpresented before, during, or after the advertising segment).Additionally, or alternatively, VCMS 210 may base selections fortargeted advertising based on user profile information (e.g., fromprofile server 230) and/or business rules 218. VCMS 210 may retrieveselected targeted advertisements 820 from advertising server 240.

In one implementation, VCMS 210 may also use channel plan 815 toidentify a delivery method for particular content within channel plan815. For example, data center 220 may receive multiple requests for thesame channel plan or multiple channel plans with the same contentschedule (e.g., for a particular event). In one particular example,on-demand or local content may be associated with a personalized channelthat has a large number of followers (e.g., a celebrity's personalizedchannel) and, thus, creates a high simultaneous viewing demand fornon-broadcast content. If the number of simultaneous viewers is largeenough, VCMS 210 may decide to provide content as a multicast streaminstead of, for example, a default unicast stream, based on the channelplan and the expected number of viewers.

Data center 220 may also generate/assign content links 830 for the itemsin the personalized channel. The content links 830 may include achannel, IP address, URL, or another link to allow navigation device 110or viewing device 120 to obtain and present content for items in thepersonalized channel. In one implementation, content links 830 mayinclude a URL for a private managed network (e.g., a private portion ofaccess network 290). Thus, if accessible to viewing device 120, aservice provider may provide requested content with guaranteed QoSlevels and/or other benefits that may not be available through a publicnetwork or with non-Guaranteed Bit Rate (GBR) traffic. For example, oneor more of content links 830 may direct a device (e.g., viewing device120) to a network location that is only accessible to particular devices(e.g., a proprietary STB) or particular accounts (e.g., subscribers withverified account credentials). In other implementations, one or more ofcontent links 830 may provide unrestricted access to content.

Content links 830 may be provided to navigation device 110. In oneimplementation, data center 220 may provide content links 830 in adistributed manner. That is, at least some of content links 830 may notbe defined/available within content delivery network 130 when channelplan 815 is initially sent to data center 220. Thus, navigation device110 and data center 220 may perform multiple iterations of exchangingchannel plan 815 and content links 830 over time. For example,navigation device 110 may provide channel plan 815 (and data center 220may respond with a new content link 830) each time the personalizedchannel is scheduled to present a new content item.

Navigation device 110 may provide content links 830 as plan instructions840 to viewing device 120. Plan instructions 840 may include, forexample, links to scheduled content and/or tuning instructions. Planinstructions 840 may be provided to viewing device 120 individually, inaggregation, or both individually and aggregated. For example, at thestart of each new content item in the particular sequence of content forthe personalized channel, navigation device 110 may provide, to viewingdevice 120, the next one of plan instructions 840 needed for thepersonalized channel. Alternatively, if viewing device 120 has thecapability and when multiple links in a sequence are available,navigation device 110 may provide multiple plan instructions 840 (e.g.,for several consecutive items) for the personalized channel. In someimplementations, navigation device 110 may provide the multiple links toviewing device 120 when viewing device 120 is within close proximity(e.g., RF range for a local wireless connection) of viewing device 120,for use by viewing device 120 when navigation device 110 is not is closeproximity.

In some instances, content associated with plan instructions 840 may besubject to copyright and/or license restrictions. Upon receiving planinstructions 840, viewing device 120 may access a streaming URL (e.g.,in one of plan instructions 840) to request particular content from VCMS210, as indicated by reference number 850. In response, VCMS 210 (e.g.,content delivery system 212) may begin streaming the requested channelcontent 890, including a content header. Requested channel content 890may include, for example, a broadcast stream, a multicast stream, or aunicast stream, as determined (at least in part) by the type of contentand the viewing audience size. A content header can include informationabout where to fetch a DRM license to permit viewing device 120 todisplay the channel content 890. Based on the content header, viewingdevice 120 may submit a license request 860 to VCMS 120 (e.g., DRMserver 214) to retrieve the DRM license.

VCMS 210 (e.g., DRM server 214) may receive license request 860 and maycommunicate with data center 220 to validate the user's entitlement forthe requested content, as indicated by reference number 870. If thevalidation is successful, VCMS 120 (e.g., DRM server 214) may return theDRM license 880 to viewing device 120. A DRM agent on viewing device 120may validate DRM license 880 for viewing device 120, and viewing device120 may play the channel content 890 if viewing device 120 is validated.

Although FIG. 8 shows exemplary communications within network portion800, in other implementations, different communications may be used thandepicted in FIG. 8. For example, in another implementation, planinstructions 840 may include a channel identifier that can be tuned toby viewing device 120 (e.g., when viewing device 120 includes a STB/TVcombination). In still another implementation, plan instructions 840 mayinclude an IP address for a web site that can be accessed via viewingdevice 120. In still another implementation, content associated with oneor more of plan instructions 840 may be retrieved by navigation device110 and the actual content may be sent through navigation device 110 forpresentation on viewing device 120.

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of an exemplary process 900 for configuring andproviding content for a personalized channel. In one implementation,process 900 may be performed by one or more devices in contentdistribution network 130. In other implementations, process 900 may beperformed by navigation device 110 and/or viewing device 120 inconjunction with one or more devices from content distribution network130.

Process 900 may include providing, to a navigation device, a list ofcontent items available for presentation on a personalized channel(block 910) and receiving a personalized channel plan from thenavigation device (block 920). For example, data center 220 (e.g.,application server 224) may provide a content list 810 to navigationdevice 110. Content list 810 may include, for example, items fromcatalog server 222 and/or content aggregator module 720. Navigationdevice 110 may receive content list 810, and the user of navigationdevice 110 may use personal channel manager application 400 (e.g.,executing on navigation device 110) to configure a personalized channelusing content items from content server 610. In another implementation,a user may access the content index via a web page from user device 270that includes a user interface to configure the personalized channelplan. Navigation device 110 may provide the user's channel plan (e.g.,channel plan 815) to data center 220 via a wired and/or wirelessnetwork. The channel plan may include a content schedule along with aviewing device identifier that may indicate a region and/or platform forthe viewing device (e.g., viewing device 120).

Process 900 may also include selecting targeted advertising based on thechannel plan (block 930). For example, as described in connection withFIG. 8, VCMS 210 may use channel plan 815 and other information (e.g., aviewer's demographic profile, what the user is watching, a location ofthe user, the user's buying history, etc.) to identify targetedadvertising for the personalized channel. VCMS 210 may, for example,base selections for targeted advertising on the attributes of contentpresented before, during, and/or scheduled after a particularadvertising segment.

Process 900 may also include selecting a delivery mechanism based on theprojected channel plan followers (block 940). For example, as describedin connection with FIG. 8, VCMS 210 may use channel plan 815 to identifya delivery method for particular content within channel plan 815. VCMS210 may identify a statistically significant number of viewers (e.g.,10, 200, 5,000, etc.) following the same channel plan, and may determinethat multicast delivery may be appropriate for particular content (e.g.,instead of a default unicast delivery).

Process 900 may further include creating and/or assigning a link for thechannel plan content based on a region, platform, and/or delivery method(block 950). For example, based on the schedule for the user'spersonalized channel, data center 220 may identify a channel, IPaddress, URL, or another link to allow viewing device 120 to obtain andpresent content for items in the personalized channel. In oneimplementation, the link (e.g., link 830) may provide content optimizedfor a particular platform (e.g., device/software combination) associatedwith viewing device 120. In another implementation, the link may bespecific to a particular geographical or subscriber region. In stillanother implementation, different links may be used to differentiatemulticast or unicast content delivery.

Process 900 may additionally include providing a content link to thenavigation device (block 960), receiving a content request from aviewing device (block 970), and providing the requested content to theviewing device (block 980). For example, as described in connection withFIG. 8, data center 220 may provide content links (e.g., content links830) for each of the content items in a particular channel plan.Navigation device 110 may send the links (e.g., either serially or inbulk) to viewing device 120 as plan instructions (e.g., planinstructions 840). Viewing device 120 may use the links to generate acontent request (e.g., content request 850) for particular content inthe linear channel sequence. VCMS 210 may receive the content requestand provide content from the identified link. In one implementation, thecontent may include targeted advertising based on the particularaggregation of content in the corresponding channel plan. In addition,in some implementations, VCMS 210 may provide a DRM license 880 toviewing device 120 to allow content viewing.

In the preceding specification, various preferred embodiments have beendescribed with reference to the accompanying drawings. It will, however,be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereto,and additional embodiments may be implemented, without departing fromthe broader scope of the invention as set forth in the claims thatfollow. The specification and drawings are accordingly to be regarded inan illustrative rather than restrictive sense. For example, while seriesof blocks have been described with respect to FIG. 9, the order of theblocks may be modified in other implementations. Further, non-dependentblocks may be performed in parallel.

It will be apparent that different aspects of the description providedabove may be implemented in many different forms of software, firmware,and hardware in the implementations illustrated in the figures. Theactual software code or specialized control hardware used to implementthese aspects is not limiting of the invention. Thus, the operation andbehavior of these aspects were described without reference to thespecific software code—it being understood that software and controlhardware can be designed to implement these aspects based on thedescription herein.

Further, certain portions of the invention may be implemented as a“component” or “system” that performs one or more functions. Thesecomponents/systems may include hardware, such as a processor, an ASIC,or a FPGA, or a combination of hardware and software.

To the extent the aforementioned embodiments collect, store or employpersonal information provided by individuals, it should be understoodthat such information shall be used in accordance with all applicablelaws concerning protection of personal information. Additionally, thecollection, storage and use of such information may be subject toconsent of the individual to such activity, for example, through wellknown “opt-in” or “opt-out” processes as may be appropriate for thesituation and type of information. Storage and use of personalinformation may be in an appropriately secure manner reflective of thetype of information, for example, through various encryption andanonymization techniques for particularly sensitive information.

No element, act, or instruction used in the present application shouldbe construed as critical or essential to the invention unless explicitlydescribed as such. Also, as used herein, the article “a” and “one of” isintended to include one or more items. Further, the phrase “based on” isintended to mean “based, at least in part, on” unless explicitly statedotherwise.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: providing, by a networkdevice and to a user device, a personal channel manager application tosolicit a personalized content schedule from a user and to directpresentation of the personalized content schedule on a viewing devicethat is different than the user device, wherein the personal channelmanager application uses an application programming interface (API) toenable communications between the user device and the viewing device;providing, by the network device and to the user device, a content listof content items available for presentation; receiving, by the networkdevice and from the user device, a personalized channel plan thatincludes a schedule of selected content items, from the content list,for presentation on the viewing device and a viewing device identifierfor the viewing device; selecting, by the network device and based onthe selected content items, advertising for inclusion with the selectedcontent items; monitoring, by the network device, a number of socialmedia followers for the personalized channel plan and other personalizedchannel plans that include one of the selected content items;identifying, by the network device and based on the monitoring of thenumber of social media followers, a projected number of simultaneouspresentations scheduled for the one of the selected content items;selecting, by the network device and based on the identifying, adelivery method to support the projected number of simultaneouspresentations for the one of the selected content items, wherein thedelivery method is selected from a group including broadcast, multicast,and unicast delivery based on a statistical significance of theprojected number; assigning, by the network device and after receivingthe personalized channel plan, a link to the one of the selected contentitems with the selected delivery method, wherein the link enables thepersonal channel manager application on the user device to direct, viathe API, presentation of the one of the selected content items on theviewing device, and wherein the link includes a uniform resource locator(URL), based on the viewing device identifier, identifying a networklocation to retrieve a content stream formatted with a data format andresolution compatible with a particular type of the viewing device;sending, by the network device, the link to the user device; receiving,by the network device and from the viewing device via the link, acontent request for the one of the selected content items; andproviding, by the network device and to the viewing device, the one ofthe selected content items via one of a closed cable or fiber opticdistribution network.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein selecting thedelivery method to support the projected number of simultaneouspresentations includes selecting a multicast stream over a defaultunicast stream for the one of the selected content items based on thenumber of social media followers of the personalized channel plan andother personalized channel plans that include the one of the selectedcontent items.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the link enables theviewing device to access the one of the selected content items with aguaranteed quality of service (QoS) level, and wherein sending the linkto the user device includes sending the link via a public access networkthat is different than the controlled access network.
 4. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the selected content items include content fromdifferent physical or virtual television channels.
 5. The method ofclaim 4, wherein the selected content items include web-based content.6. The method of claim 1, further comprising: assigning, by the networkdevice and after receiving the personalized channel plan, another linkto another one of the selected content items with the selected deliverymethod, wherein the other link enables the personal channel managerapplication on the user device to direct, via the API, presentation ofthe other one of the selected content items on the viewing device, andwherein the link includes another URL, based on the viewing deviceidentifier, identifying a network location to retrieve another contentstream formatted with the data format and resolution compatible with theparticular type of the viewing device; and sending, by the networkdevice, the other link to the user device.
 7. The method of claim 1,wherein the selected content items include personal video recordingsstored in a remote network.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein theselected content items include an automatically-suggested content item,for presentation at a particular time, based on user instructions. 9.The method of claim 1, wherein selecting the advertising for inclusionwith the selected content items further comprises: selecting theadvertising based on an aggregation of the selected content items in thepersonalized channel plan.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein theaggregation includes selected content items from the personalizedchannel plan that are scheduled for future presentation.
 11. The methodof claim 1, wherein the user device includes a mobile computing deviceand wherein the viewing device includes a set-top box (STB), a cablecard, or a smart television.
 12. One or more network devices,comprising: a first network interface to communicate with a user device;a second network interface to communicate with a viewing device that isdifferent than the user device; a memory for storing instructions; andone or more processors to execute the instructions to: provide, to theuser device, a personal channel manager application to solicit apersonalized content schedule from a user and to direct presentation ofthe personalized content schedule on the viewing device, wherein thepersonal channel manager application uses an application programminginterface (API) to enable communications between the user device and theviewing device, provide, to the user device via the first networkinterface, a content list of content items available for presentation,receive, from the user device, a personalized channel plan that includesa schedule of selected content items, from the content list, forpresentation on the viewing device and a viewing device identifier forthe viewing device, select, based on the selected content items,advertising for inclusion with selected content items, monitor a numberof social media followers for the personalized channel plan and otherpersonalized channel plans that include one of the selected contentitems, identify, based on the monitoring of the number of social mediafollowers, a projected number of simultaneous presentations scheduledfor the one of the selected content items, select, based on theidentifying, a delivery method to support the projected number ofsimultaneous presentations for the one of the selected content items,wherein the delivery method is selected from a group includingbroadcast, multicast, and unicast delivery based on a statisticalsignificance of the projected number, assign, after receiving thepersonalized channel plan, a link to the one of the selected contentitems that enables the personal channel manager application on the userdevice to direct, via the API, presentation of the one of the selectedcontent items on the viewing device, wherein the link includes a uniformresource locator (URL), based on the viewing device identifier,identifying a network location to retrieve a content stream formattedwith a data format and resolution compatible with a particular type ofthe viewing device, send the link to the user device, receive, from theviewing device over the second network interface and via the link, acontent request for the one of the selected content items, and provide,to the viewing device via the second network interface, the one of theselected content items.
 13. The one or more network devices of claim 12,wherein the one or more processors are further to: assign, afterreceiving the personalized channel plan, another link to another one ofthe selected content items, wherein the other link enables the personalchannel manager application on the user device to direct, via the API,presentation of the other one of the selected content items on theviewing device, and wherein the link includes another URL, based on theviewing device identifier, identifying a network location to retrieveanother content stream formatted with the data format and resolutioncompatible with the particular type of the viewing device; and send theother link to the user device.
 14. The one or more network devices ofclaim 12, wherein the one or more processors are further to: deliver theone of the selected content items using both unicast and multicastdelivery for different portions of the one of the selected contentitems.
 15. The one or more network devices of claim 12, wherein the oneor more processors are further to: identify, based on the personalizedchannel plan, a region associated with the viewing device, and apply,based on the identified region, regional broadcast variants to theselected content items.
 16. The one or more network devices of claim 12,wherein the selected content items include live linear broadcast contentand on-demand content.
 17. The one or more network devices of claim 12,wherein the one or more processors are further to execute theinstructions to: store, in the memory, the personalized channel plan.18. A non-transitory computer-readable medium, storing instructionsexecutable by one or more processors, the non-transitorycomputer-readable medium comprising one or more instructions to:provide, to a user device, a personal channel manager application tosolicit a personalized content schedule from a user and to directpresentation of the personalized content schedule on a viewing devicethat is different than the user device, wherein the personal channelmanager application uses an application programming interface (API) toenable communications between the user device and the viewing device,provide, to the user device via a first network interface, a contentlist of content items available for presentation, receive, from the userdevice, a personalized channel plan that includes a schedule of selectedcontent items, from the content list, for presentation on the viewingdevice and a viewing device identifier for the viewing device, select,based on the selected content items, advertising for inclusion with theselected content items, monitor a number of social media followers forthe personalized channel plan and other personalized channel plans thatinclude one of the selected content items, identify, based on themonitoring of the number of social media followers, a projected numberof simultaneous presentations scheduled for the one of the selectedcontent items, select, based on the identifying, a delivery method tosupport the projected number of simultaneous presentations for the oneof the selected content items, wherein the delivery method is selectedfrom a group including broadcast, multicast, and unicast delivery basedon a statistical significance of the projected number, assign, afterreceiving the personalized channel plan, a link to the one of theselected content items that enables the personal channel managerapplication on the user device to direct, via the API, presentation ofthe one of the selected content items on the viewing device, wherein thelink includes a uniform resource locator (URL), based on the viewingdevice identifier, identifying a network location to retrieve a contentstream formatted with a data format and resolution compatible with aparticular type of the viewing device, send the link to the user device,receive, from the viewing device over the second network interface andvia link, a content request for the one of the selected content items,and provide, to the viewing device via the second network interface, theone of the selected content items.
 19. The non-transitorycomputer-readable medium of claim 18, further comprising one or moreinstructions to: assign, after receiving the personalized channel plan,another link to another one of the selected content items, wherein theother link enables the personal channel manager application on the userdevice to direct, via the API, presentation of the other one of theselected content items on the viewing device, and wherein the linkincludes another URL, based on the viewing device identifier,identifying a network location to retrieve another content streamformatted with the data format and resolution compatible with theparticular type of the viewing device; and send the other link to theuser device.
 20. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim18, wherein the one or more instructions to select the advertising forinclusion with the selected content items further comprises one or moreinstructions to: select the advertising based on an aggregation of userprofile data from at least one of a wireless data service plan, atelevision subscription plan, and an Internet service plan.